# US 7,461,461 B2 · Kwik leads

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 7,461,461 B2
- Document ID: US7461461B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/526,333
- Filed: 2006-09-25
- Published: 2007-01-25
- Granted: 2008-12-09
- Earliest claimed: 2004-03-29
- Inventors: Stephen E. Howell
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7461461B2

## CPC

- E04G 21/18: Adjusting tools; Templates {(workshop marking tools B25H; for coverings or linings E04F21/18)}
- E04G 21/1841: {Means for positioning building parts or elements (strutting means for wall parts E04G21/26)}
- E04G: SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS

## Abstract

An improved a tool for aiding in laying a brick wall a set distance from the base wall of a structure, and to confirm the verticality of the brick wall. The tool has an elongated member having a smooth face for contacting a wall of bricks, an end member is attached to the end of the elongated member at a right angle thereto, the end member being attached in an adjustable manner. The method of using the tool is also disclosed.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A guide tool for the laying of brick during formation of a vertical wall upon a structure, comprising:
an elongated first member for placing against the face of bricks in a wall wherein said member is substantially rectangular and has substantially planar inner and outer surfaces, wherein said first member is provided with a scale with measurements stamped or etched thereon at various desired locations,
a second member for contacting bricks attached to said first member at a right angle thereto, wherein said second member is substantially rectangular and has substantially planar inner and outer surfaces, wherein said second member is provided with an elongated slot in its longitudinal direction,
means for adjusting the distance the second member extends beyond said first member, wherein said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw extending through said slot in said second member into said first member,
means for fixing the relationship of said second member to said first member; and
a handle attached to said first member.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A guide according to claim 1 wherein said second member is provided with a pair of parallel elongated slots in its longitudinal direction, and said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw extending through each of said slots in said second member into said first member.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A guide according to claim 1 wherein said guide is made from the group of materials comprising aluminum, steel, wood, and plastics, or a combination thereof.

### Claim 4

A method for confirming the verticality of a brick wall face during its construction, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a tool for properly aligning bricks vertically, comprising:
an elongated member for placing against the face of bricks in a wall wherein said member is substantially rectangular and has substantially planar inner and outer surfaces, wherein said elongated member is provided with a scale with measurements stamped or etched thereon at various desired locations;
a cross member attached to the end of said elongated member at a right angle thereto wherein said cross member is substantially rectangular and has substantially planar inner and outer surfaces;
means for adjusting the relationship of said cross member to said elongated member wherein said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw extending through said slot in said second member into said first member; and
a handle attached to said elongated member;
b) determining the desired distance from the outer skin of a base wall and the face of a brick wall to be laid;
c) fixing the top member to the end of the elongated base member so that it extends beyond the face of the elongated base member the desired distance;
d) commencing to lay brick;
e) placing the bottom of the top member of the tool on the top course of brick with the end of the top member of the tool against the outer skin and the inner face of the elongated base member against the face of the brick to determine the verticality of the wall; and
f) adjusting the bricks as necessary for plumb and distance from the outer skin of the base wall.